Originally posted by: outdoorsman5953 on 7/13/2005 6:14:01 AM

I just came back from a fishing trip on the Mississippi and Black Rivers out of La Crosse, WI. I go up there regularly and fish with a guide from TGIF Outfitters (Bob Bott) which I highly recommend. (http://www.tgifoutfitters.com)
Anyway, my lady fishing partner and I fished 2 days with Bob in 90 degree heat. We would start at 6:00 a.m. amd fish for small mouth for an hour or so until the sun got higher in the sky. Caught some nice smallies and a few large mouth. Then we would go for pike. Bob knows the area very well and he put us on to some nice sized pike. We were burning spinner baits in about 4 four of water over weeds and around lilly pads. Pike action was almost as hot as the weather. Had lots of follows, good strikes, and caught several fish - the largest about 18 pounds but several over 10. One 36+ inch pike followed all the way to the boat and then nailed the lure right at the side. Startled me so much I missed the hook set and he swam off. Sorry, no pictures but lots of find memories. Going back next month for 3 more days! By the way we only catch and release so they are all still there!